Page 13 - 2022-08-01 Sound & Vision

wide
angle quick take BY BOB ANKOSKO AT A
GLANCE

Sudio E2 Noise-Canceling Good overall

sound quality
Wireless Earbuds Dirac Virtuo
improves and
expands the sound
We get pitched on new “true wireless earbuds” every few days from brands we know source and was rewarded with warm, Super comfortable
and don’t know. In a sea of sameness, it’s a category that begs for differentiation full-bodied sound and absolute for long listening
so our ears perked up when Dirac, the Swedish company known for its high level comfort, even a er hours of listening. I
of expertise in audio processing, reached out with an offer to review earbuds from remained impressed whether I was
Sudio, a Swedish brand we never heard of. Turns out the Sudio E2 earphones are chillin’ to the laid-back vibe of Beck’s App operation
among the first to include Dirac Virtuo, a new type of spatial processing that aims to “Morning” (Morning Phase, 2014) with is glitchy
create “an immersive sound experience with enhanced sound quality.” its rich acoustic guitar and glockenspiel
accents, digging the soulful groove and RATING
Features and Setup the other EQ presets but liked being brilliant Hammond organ flourishes on
PERFORMANCE
The E2 earbuds look ordinary and, apart able to create custom se ings and “Hear My Dear” from the Tedeschi
from Virtuo, offer a fairly common set tweak the bass and treble. The app Trucks Band’s new album I Am The
of features that includes active noise is easy to use, though I found it to be Moon: I. Crescent, or rocking out to the FEATURES
cancellation (ANC), a charging case with quirky. The onscreen ANC control panel Red Hot Chili Peppers doing their best
a magnetic lid, and IPX4-level resistance didn’t work when music was playing Weezer impression on “Nerve Flip” COMFORT
to rain, sweat, and even direct splashes. and playback would spu er when the (Unlimited Love, 2022). At times, I
Wireless connections are made through app lost its connection and had to be longed for a touch more sparkle at the VALUE
Bluetooth 5.2 and the E2 uses six micro- reconnected. top end or a tad less (upper) bass so
phones—three per earbud—to handle Ba ery life is rated for up to 6.5 hours having an equalizer came in handy.
calls and suppress noise. on a single charge, 5.5 hours with Virtuo Zeroing in on Dirac’s Virtuo, I quickly SPECS
Feedback and feedforward ANC with processing engaged, and 4.4 hours learned that Virtuo makes everything
Type: True
a microphone on the inside and outside with Virtuo and ANC switched on plus sound be er and expands the sound- wireless earbuds
of each earbud is used to reduce noise another 20 to 30 hours using the case stage in subtle but noticeable ways.
Driver diameter:
across a “wider [than usual] range of to recharge the ’buds. Although I didn’t The sound is clearer, be er defined and
0.4 in (10 mm)
frequencies.” You can turn ANC on and keep perfect score, these numbers are balanced, and more open and spacious.
Rated battery
off and activate a Transparency mode in the ballpark of what I experienced. On some tracks, like The Everly Brothers
life: Up to 6.5
that is effective at allowing ambient singing “Autumn Leaves” (Instant Party,
sound to come through when you need Performance 1961), the effect is striking as hard- hours, 5.5 hours
(Virtuo on), 4.4
to be aware of your surroundings. Two I used the Sudio E2 earbuds on and off panned piano flourishes and acoustic
hours (Virtuo and
of the six microphones are reserved for for several weeks, listening to a diverse guitar solos move up and out, creating ANC on); 20+
phone calls and work with Sudio’s Vivid- range of music around the house, out in a more spacious feel. I didn’t have a hours with
Voice beamforming technology, which the yard, while biking, and in the car. I chance to test out the noise cancellation charging case
filters out ambient sound to ensure clear tapped Tidal (HiFi Plus) for all of my in an airplane but the E2s did a respect- Accessories:
voice communication. It works well. listening to ensure a high-quality audio able job lowering the roar of wind Charging case,
Controlling the E2 earbuds by touch noise and rumble of a passing USB-C cable, four
is pre y straightforward once you get Harley while driving 65 mph (as ear tips
the hang of the tap/touch-and-press a passenger) on New Jersey's Weight: 0.17 oz.
method used play/pause/skip tracks, Garden State Parkway. (each earbud),
turn on the Virtuo processing, cycle 1.8 oz. (earbuds
through ANC modes (On/Off/ Conclusion with case)
Transparency), and more. You The Sudio E2 wireless earbuds Price: $129
also have the option of using have a secret weapon that sets
the Sudio Personal Sound app them apart from dozens of seem-
THE VERDICT
to control the earbuds with the ingly similar earbuds, making
bonus of an equalizer offering them an excellent choice for Dirac’s Virtuo
six presets, the ability to create on-the-go music lovers who value processing makes
custom EQ curves, and a sound quality. In addition to active the affordable
Personal Sound Profile mode noise cancellation, you get an and already good
that generates a curve based on app-based equalizer and Dirac’s sounding Sudio E2
your hearing acuity. excellent Virtuo processing, which earbuds sound
Except for Balanced (flat), makes an already good set of even better.
which I used for most of my earphones sound even be er—all
listening, I wasn’t too keen on at a price that is reasonable. sudio.com

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